Breaking Bad fans are grasping at just about anything they can to hold onto their favorite meth-dealing science teacher for a little while longer. But what if Walter White was just a figment of another hapless father’s imagination?

An alternate ending available on the Breaking Bad: The Complete Series DVD box set re-imagines the iconic last scene as just as a vivid dream of Hal from the popular Fox sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, played by Cranston from 2000 to 2006. The clip appeared on YouTube early on Sunday, until it was removed by Sony Pictures, citing copyright infringement.

The scene is lifted from Newhart’s finale, which is praised as one of the most memorable in television history, when Bob Newhart wakes up as his former character from TheBob Newhart Show.

Startled by his nightmare, Hal begins describing the motley crew of characters from the show to his wife, Lois, played by Jane Kaczmarek. His hilarious account, including describing Hank Schrader as the guy from The Shield, was a lighthearted alternative to the dark conclusion of the award-winning series.

“This other little guy who was a waif–man child,” Hal tells his wife. “Kid who always looked like he was wearing his brother’s clothes.”

Though he’s probably referring to Jesse Pinkman (played by Aaron Paul), the description could easily be mistaken for Malcolm, his own son on the show played by Frankie Muniz.

Thanks for spoiling the series I'm currently watching. By making your intro line "Breaking Bad fans are grasping at just about anything they can to memorialize the death of their favorite meth-dealing science teacher" you set Google News up to perfectly sneak attack me with information I'd have liked to have the option of avoiding.

@diddles Well your comment was effective as Times edited the article but now your comment spoiled it for me. Ironic isn't it? Rather irresponsible... I'm joking, mate. Telling the ending doesn't really "ruin" it because you need all the contextual groundwork to make it "happen."